Lifting Slings

Sling as a key tool in the field of material handling and equipment installation, with its unique design and powerful functions, plays an indispensable role in the construction, manufacturing, logistics and other industries. There are many kinds of sling, which can be divided into several types according to the difference of material, structure and use. Understanding these classifications helps professionals in various industries select the right sling to ensure safe and efficient operations. ​

Classification by material：
Chain Slings: Chain slings are made of high-strength alloy steel chain links, which have extremely high strength and wear resistance, can withstand large loads, and are usually suitable for heavy lifting operations. In steel mills, used for lifting large billets; In the shipyard, the ship segments are fixed and lifted. Its advantage is that it is durable, stable and can adapt to the harsh working environment. However, the weight of the chain sling is large, the flexibility is not good, and if the maintenance is not proper, the chain link is easy to rust, affecting the service life. ​

Wire Rope Slings: Wire rope slings are made of multiple strands of steel wire twisting, with High Tensile Strength and flexibility, can withstand greater tension. It is suitable for a variety of complex lifting operations, such as lifting construction materials in building construction, port loading and unloading cargo. Rope sling wear resistance, impact resistance, long service life. However, in the process of use, the wire rope is prone to broken wire, wear and other problems, the need for regular inspection and maintenance to ensure safety. ​

Synthetic fiber sling：
Flat Webbing Sling: Flat Webbing sling is woven with high strength synthetic fiber, usually made of polyester or nylon material. It has the characteristics of soft and light, will not cause damage to the surface of the object being lifted, and is suitable for lifting objects with smooth surfaces, such as glass and plastic products. In addition, the flat webbing sling has good flexibility and can be tightly fitted to the shape of the object to provide stable lifting support. However, its carrying capacity is relatively low and it is not suitable for heavy lifting operations. ​

Circular webbing sling: Circular webbing sling is also made of synthetic fiber, and its unique circular structure gives it higher strength and wear resistance. The surface friction of the circular webbing sling is larger, which can better grasp and fix the object and prevent the object from slipping during the lifting process. In industrial production, it is often used to lift irregularly shaped objects, such as mechanical parts. Compared with the flat webbing sling, the circular webbing sling has a stronger carrying capacity, but the price is also relatively high. ​

Classification by structure：
The single-leg sling is simple in structure and consists of a sling and a connecting piece at both ends. It is suitable for lifting lighter, regular shape objects, easy to operate fast. In small factories or warehouses, single-leg slings are often used to lift small goods. However, in the process of lifting the single-leg sling, the object is prone to swing, which requires the operator to have certain skills to control. ​

Multilimb slings consist of two or more slings that are joined together by connectors. Common ones are multi-limb chain sling, multi-limb wire rope sling and multi-limb synthetic fiber sling. The multi-limb sling can evenly distribute the lifting force, improve the stability of lifting, and is suitable for lifting large, heavy or irregular objects. During the installation of large equipment, the multi-limb sling can ensure the smooth lifting of equipment and avoid equipment damage due to uneven force. ​

Classification by use：
Universal sling is suitable for a wide range of common lifting operations and has a wide range of applicability. These slings are designed and manufactured to common standards and meet the basic lifting needs of most industries. In daily material handling and equipment installation, the universal sling is the most commonly used tool. ​

Special sling：
The special sling is designed for the specific lifting operation or object, and has the characteristics of pertinence. For example, the vacuum sling is used to lift objects with flat surfaces such as glass and steel plates through vacuum adsorption. Electromagnetic slings are used to lift ferromagnetic materials, such as steel. Special slings can improve the efficiency and safety of lifting operations, but the scope of application is relatively narrow. ​

The choice of sling is directly related to the safety and efficiency of lifting operation. In practical applications, the user should choose the appropriate sling according to the weight, shape, material and working environment of the lifting object, comprehensively consider the use and maintenance of the sling, and strictly follow the operating procedures to ensure the safety of the operation. ​